Apartment by word (money to be transferred by Western Union to Nigeria)

Hello there. I'd like to know something and get a advice coz i am now quite scared....

I searched for an apartment in Brisbane, Australia. I looked here and contacted advertiser:

http://brisbane.gumtree.com.au/c-Unit-House-Real-Estate-house-unit-apartment-rental-Spacious-balcony-Fully-ducted-airconditioner-W0QQAdIdZ187216355

[Spacious balcony, Fully ducted airconditioner | House & Apartment Rental | Gumtree Brisbane]

Then I got an email from him. He was saying that He and his wife shifted for year from the place, she shifted to another city and he is working in Nigeria, replying from there to me. The deal is very good, and its very cheap, he was saying that money is not of main importance but the care of the apartment. So I told him that I ll take care of it with a proper attitude. He said he fears god and other staff, so he actually believes me by words. However, He wants some money first. 500 dollars to be transferred by western union to Nigeria as a secure deposit. Hi is New zealander brought up in Aussie working in Nigeria. He said that I must trust him since he trusts me. I really want the apartment coz it is really cheap. But I ll am really scared of sham. He said that I know his name and its sufficient enough to go to police. When I said to send me contract first with his signature, he said he'd have problems at work with this. then I asked to send me a copy of his passport and he said that we both know that it's unsafe to send documents by internet.

My question is: Should I do it? Should I transfer money and wait till he sends me keys and receipt? Will I ll be able to bring any legal actions upon him if it goes wrong? If you need any details, just let me know I ll answer as soon as I can. Really need help here guys on this one...

thank you sooo much in advance
regards,
Kim Kirill

Don't trust him or here in any way. Particularly if the emails had gramatical or spelling errors. Once You send the money it's lost. I fell for one such scam. I mean what kind of proof can that person give you that he actually has the apartment?